Their campaign is taking another hit with a second consecutive defeat India will need to win all their remaining matches while hoping other results come their way to keep their semi-final chances alive in the T20 World Cup.
India and New Zealand were locked in a virtual quarter-final, the latter of which emerged victorious seven days later after an eight-wicket win. Virat KohliK men suffered a 10-wicket loss to arch-rivals Pakistan.
Virat Kohli’s men will now pray that Afghanistan beat New Zealand and India win their remaining three encounters against Scotland, Namibia and Afghanistan.
The Indians, scheduled to play the last game of the league stage against Namibia, could get a chance to improve their net run rate, provided other results are in their favour.
The loss against the Kiwis has pushed India to the brink of a league stage exit, although technically they are still not out.
Pakistan have finished three big games and are expected to beat Scotland and Namibia in their upcoming fixtures.
did you see it coming? # T20 World Cup pic.twitter.com/fxK4E0eHW7
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) 31 October 2021
India are currently fifth in Group 2 of six teams with two losses after as many matches.
Pakistan led the group with three wins from as many matches, followed by Afghanistan with two wins and three matches, and New Zealand in third place with two wins and losses.
Given Afghanistan’s powerful spin attack, good batting and most importantly, their tendency to stand up to the big teams, they will be India’s bet against New Zealand.
Asif Ali’s blistering innings dashed their hopes before the Afghans moved closer to winning their match against Pakistan.
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